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Cathodoluminescence Signature of White Marble Artefacts

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  28 February 2011

Vincent Barbin ,
K. Ramseyer ,
S. J. Burns ,
D. Decrouez ,
J. L. Maier  and
J. Chamay
Vincent Barbin
Affiliation:
Muséum d'Histoire naturelle, 1 route de Malagnou, C.P 434, CH-1211 Genėve 6, Suisse Geologisches Institut, Universität Bern, Baltzerstrasse 1, CH-3012 Bern, Schweiz
K. Ramseyer
Affiliation:
Geologisches Institut, Universität Bern, Baltzerstrasse 1, CH-3012 Bern, Schweiz
S. J. Burns
Affiliation:
Geologisches Institut, Universität Bern, Baltzerstrasse 1, CH-3012 Bern, Schweiz
D. Decrouez
Affiliation:
Muséum d'Histoire naturelle, 1 route de Malagnou, C.P 434, CH-1211 Genėve 6, Suisse
J. L. Maier
Affiliation:
Musėe d'Art et d'Histoire, 2 rue Charles-Galland, C.P 516, CH-1211 Genėve 3, Suisse
J. Chamay
Affiliation:
Musėe d'Art et d'Histoire, 2 rue Charles-Galland, C.P 516, CH-1211 Genėve 3, Suisse
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Abstract

The cathodoluminescence characteristics of more than 500 white marble samples from known classical quarrying sites and surrounding areas in Greece, Turkey and Italy were analysed to develop a rapid and low-cost method for the characterization of white marbles. In most cases, the observed cathodoluminescence colors, intensity and intensity distribution form a distinct “cathodomicrofacies” which is commonly unique for a given area, quarry or parts of a quarry.

In cases where the cathodomicrofacies is common to more than one quarrying area, the stable isotope signature of the white marbles provides an effective complement to cathodoluminescence, and allows additional distinctions between marbles to be made.

The study of field samples from ancient quarrying areas can identify the source of white marble used for ancient sculptures and buildings. This new approach has been successfully tested on ancient marble sculptures and sarcophaguses from the collection of the Art and History Museum in Geneva.

Type
Research Article
Information
MRS Online Proceedings Library (OPL) , Volume 185: Symposium G – Materials Issues in Art and Archaeology II , 1990 , 299
Copyright
Copyright © Materials Research Society 1990

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